Volcano!

Before the move we went out to dinner with our great friends. We surprised the kids and birthday? boy Chris with Volcano Cakes. It took the kids less than 5 minutes to completely devour the dessert. It was pretty amazing and kind of disgusting to watch.

Hard Day

Be forewarned, this is a sappy one!!

I knew this day was coming and in my mind it was always far off. Saying goodbye is never easy and today was no exception.
We were able to go to the park with friends one last time. I was doing good until Addy's little friend Scottie gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Oh my, the flood gates opened then. Good thing I was wearing sunglasses. I could hardly say goodbye to anyone else without crying, so I just stuck to the one word sentences.
In the car I looked back to see Jake crying. He was so so sad to leave his friends. We cried for a little bit together and then stopped for slurpies.
We are so blessed to have such good friends. We love each and every one of you and are truly grateul for the way you have touched our lives.
I have always loved the following hymn (thanks Tia) and it is so fitting for how we feel right now.

Each Life That Touches Ours For Good

1. Each life that touches ours for good

Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;

Thou sendest blessings from above

Thru words and deeds of those who love.

2. What greater gift dost thou bestow,

What greater goodness can we know

Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways

Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

3. When such a friend from us departs,

We hold forever in our hearts

A sweet and hallowed memory,

Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

4. For worthy friends whose lives proclaim

Devotion to the Savior's name,

Who bless our days with peace and love,

We praise thy goodness, Lord, above.

Father's Day, Trains and Multnomah Falls

We had a great weekend! We decided last minute to tag along with our friends as they finished up their family vacation. We went to Molalla, Oregon to the Train Park and then headed over to Multnomah Falls. It was fun and a nice change of pace. The kids were wonderful and the drive was beautiful.



John and the kids on Father's Day. Yes, he got cereal for father's day.



One of the steam trains. This was a very cool little park and the best part is it was free.

Riding the trains.




As American as Apple Pie!



Nothing says roadtrip like convenience store candy.


Multnomah Falls





Ella was freaked out. It was loud, wet and high.



The big kids wanted to keep going.



Hannah and Kayla (friends since birth)


Ella's first kiss



Thanks for letting us tag along Wasdens! See you next summer in DC, right?!

Princess Power

These four little princesses were all adorned in their princess attire for a birthday party. When the party was over they came over to The Sharps (John's parents) were the ward was helping with yard work.
They spent a good part of the afternoon like any self respecting princess would...squeeling, jumping, getting dirty and just enjoying being real little girls.
Ella and Addy just adore Scottie and Tess. I swear these four little girls were all cut from the same cloth. Sugar and spice and everything nice...